Other noncosmetic uses of BOTOX

Botulinum toxin A has a wide variety of clinical applications, which are re lated by blockade of acetylcholine and often are related to abnormal muscle contractures. These applications include ocular disorders, disorders of th e upper aerodigestive tract, dystonia and hemifacial spasm, cosmetic, gastr ointestinal disorders, genitourinary disorders, management of pain, and use in autonomic nervous system disorders, Many of these diseases will be disc ussed with regard to their treatment with botulinum toxin compared to conve ntional treatments, Advantages and disadvantages of botulinum toxin use are delineated, General guidelines for adult and pediatric dosing will also be discussed. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.